Event Tester

I’ve written a small test app for examining NSEvent modifier flags, called Event Tester (34K ZIP file). I’ve been meaning to get this done ever since March 2006, when a subtle bug in Kensington’s MouseWorks software bit me in the rear while working on a Camino bug. I reported it to Kensington at the time along with an explanation of what I suspected was happening, but never heard anything back from them. They’ve since released version 3.0 of their MouseWorks software, and it still has the same bug. Now that I have a test app, maybe they’ll listen.

The general public probably won’t find it useful, but anyone writing drivers for multi-button mice probably will.

UPDATE: After pulling several teeth, I have official word from Kensington that the MouseWorks software has been end-of-lifed and will no longer be updated. I’m going to try to convince them to open-source it, or at least give me the source code, but I have to wonder what this means for future Mac products from the company. It can’t be good news.

posted on 12 July 2008 at 1454computing0 commentstrackback

“Between One and Three”

Ticks on a Plane:

A United spokeswoman says between one and three ticks were discovered.

So does that mean two ticks were discovered; or that they found three things that might have been ticks, but they’re not entirely sure; or something else entirely? Inquiring minds (and editors everywhere) want to know.

posted on 09 July 2008 at 1654language0 commentstrackback

How Much Does Life Cost, Anyway?

Pretty much everyone covering the NHL for any media outlet appears genuinely shocked that Marian Hossa, the star forward acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins from the Atlanta Thrashers at last year’s trade deadline to fuel the Penguins’ Stanley Cup playoff run, has signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Red Wings. These pundits are in nearly universal agreement that Hossa is giving up “a lifetime of security” for a chance to win the Cup.

Two points:

First, isn’t every hockey player’s dream to win the Stanley Cup? You don’t hear Nick Lidstrom saying, “Oh, yeah, ever since I was a boy, I always wanted to win six Norris Trophies”, and you don’t hear Henrik Zetterberg saying, “I’ve always dreamed of winning the Conn Smythe Trophy”. Almost to a man, the Wings said winning the Cup was their dream. Why should Hossa be any different? And what do you have left to prove in the league after winning a Cup? How many more you can win? The Stanley Cup is, and always has been, the reason for playing NHL hockey, and the bottom line is this: Marian Hossa doesn’t have his name on the Cup, and he wants it there. A one-year deal with the Wings is the best chance he has to achieve that.

Second, since when is $7 million not enough money for a “lifetime of security”? I’m certain beyond all doubt that, if you gave me $7 million next year, minus taxes, that I would be more than comfortable for the rest of my life, as would my parents, any future family, and most of my extended family. What happened to our society that we don’t think top professional athletes can possibly get by on less than $8-10 million per year, and need to have at least 5-10 years at that pay level to be “secure”? No, a million dollars isn’t what it used to be, but it’ll still buy you a nice house anywhere in the United States and leave more change than most people make in salary in a year. Anything more than that is just icing on the cake.

posted on 05 July 2008 at 0959sports0 commentstrackback